I just watched the season opener of "Jon and Kate Plus 8," the TLC reality show featuring Jon and Kate Gosselin and their 8 children (a set of twins and a set of sextuplets). I don't watch the show often, but when I do, I enjoy it. It is just about the only reality show I can stand. I hate the canned drama, pseudo-game shows, celebrity celebrations, and the obviously scripted realities you get on lots of other "reality" shows. But you can't script what a 4 year old says, which makes Jon and Kate plus 8 the most refreshingly real reality show I've seen. It shows good moments with parents and their kids, the challenges of raising multiples, and cute, tender moments between the mom and dad, Jon and Kate.
Tonight was the first episode in their 5th season, which was really interesting because it was the first episode since the tabloid reports that Jon's been steppin' out on Kate.
I don't know much about the allegations. Not my business. But it's obvious that between the allegations, the ensuing media circus, and whatever Jon actually did, their relationship is in trouble. Both discussed the possibility of divorce, what that would mean for the show and their family . . . which brings me to 3 thoughts on the subject.
1. It's probably too obvious to even bring it up, but it CANNOT be healthy to feature your life as a reality TV show for 5 + years. Of the many reality family shows that have now been broadcast, I have yet to see an example of a family surviving and thriving under those circumstances. Beyond the potential pitfalls of raising your kids with that kind of attention, an adult who's LIFE is on display for the whole world to see, who has no escape will eventually try to rebel and escape. Every person needs an occasional respite and he/she will seek it either in healthy ways or unhealthy ways.
2. Parents who focus more on their love for their kids than their love for each other are in serious jeopardy. I can't say for certain if that was a factor in Jon and Kate's trouble, but based on some things that were said in today's episode, I have suspicions that it was.
3. Divorce is soooooooooo hard. And the destruction of a relationship is never because of a single thing, or emotion, or behavior. It's a spiderweb of stuff that is very, very complicated. And it's sad. I was reminded again, while watching this episode, the sadness it brings. Even when the two were smiling you could see the sadness in their faces. They looked tired ... drained. For anyone contemplating divorce as a solution to a problem, I recommend them to stare deeply into the eyes of a couple like the Gosselins first. It's very tough.
Hi David! I watched it too and agree it was so sad. But...have you ever watched the show about the Duggars? I think it is called 18 Kids and Counting. It is completely refreshing and uplifting. If any family can survive a reality show it will be them. The are commited to the Lord, their marriage and their family. It will give you a boost after tonight's show. I think it comes on tomorrow.
Great blog! I enjoy reading it.
Steph
Posted by: Stephanie | May 25, 2009 at 09:54 PM